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Replacement Windows & Doors can significantly improve older properties in Wales

by UPVC Windows Expert
Nov
7
2009

Living in an older property is a dream come true for some people. Many older properties have features which modern properties lack such as beams, high ceiling and original fireplaces. No matter how people try to give modern properties a traditional look it will never look as good as the genuine article. However there are also draw backs to living in an older property. Fortunately modern technology can solve many of these. Common complaints about older properties are that they are draughty, expensive to keep warm and outside noise can be an issue. Installing double glazing can solve all these issues in one go.

The great thing about double glazing is that not only does it make your home a more enjoyable place to live but it also a good investment as it adds value to the property and makes it more desirable to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell. Older windows tend to be draughty and as they are single glazed they allow the heat from inside the house to escape.

Therefore to keep your house warm you must generate more heat which will increase your gas and electricity bills. By installing double glazing you will reduce the amount of heat lost considerably therefore allowing you to turn your heating down and save you money on your utility bills.

You may be wondering how double glazing works? It is quite simple really as the name suggests. There are two panes of glass and a  gap is left between them and they are then sealed. It is the gap which acts as an insulator and keeps the heat inside the property. The gap also acts as a sound barrier and helps to reduce outside noise.

Living in an older property is a fantastic experience and you should not be put off because it does not have all the mod cons of a modern property. Many of the modern technologies such as double glazing can now be installed into older properties.

For more information on Replacement Windows Wales, Replacement Windows Cardiff, Replacement Windows Bristol, Replacement Windows Gloucester and Replacement Windows Hereford – visit www.greenwayupvc.com – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with the choice available from Greenway.

Looking for Double Glazing for your home in Yorkshire

by UPVC Windows Expert
Nov
7
2009

To guarantee your home is safe from the heavy rain and high winds this winter, you need to ensure your windows and doors are of the highest quality. With this in mind, there are companies that offer a great range windows and doors that are guaranteed to provide the perfect solution for your home.

Orion Windows offer a new range of double glazing windows and doors in a selection of window designs and door styles to suit every home in Yorkshire, installed by specialists, they are available with a made to measure service and in a variety of colour finishes including golden oak and rosewood wood grain finishes.

The design of double glazing from Orion Windows is perfectly suited to modern homes but is also popular with period and established properties throughout Yorkshire due to the range of finishes that are available.

For more information on Double Glazing in Hull, Double Glazing Scarborough, PVC Doors in Hull, PVC Windows in Scarborough and Replacement Windows in Hull – visit www.orion-windows.co.uk – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with the choice available in Hull & Scarborough.

Orion Windows range of double glazing windows and doors come with concealed secured hinges, whilst the double glazed windows are available with night ventilation to make summer nights more comfortable but maintaining the heat within the home on cold, wintery days.

Orion Windows double glazed windows and doors are an ideal solution that not only make your home more energy efficient throughout the year, they also improve the look and add value to your home. With so many options to choose from, the new energy saving double glazing from Orion Windows are a great investment for your home.

Orion Windows specialise in providing the latest energy saving double glazing throughout Yorkshire, installing only quality double glazing windows and doors that are built to last.

Double Glazing for a warm and cosy winter for your home in Wales

by UPVC Windows Expert
Nov
7
2009

With winter drawing in the days are getting shorter and the temperature has dropped significantly. If you live in an older property you may have noticed draughts coming from around your windows and that the amount of gas and electricity you are using to heat your home has gone up significantly. By installing new double glazed windows and doors you will be able to eliminate the draughts and cut down the amount of gas and electricity you use considerably.

Double glazed windows as the name suggests works by using two panes of glass which are sealed together and a gap is left between the two panes. It is this gap which acts as an insulator and help to keep the heat generated inside your home. Double glazing also helps to cut down the amount of condensation and reduces issues with mould and mildew.

Most commonly replacement double glazed windows now come with uPVC surrounds. These are favoured over traditional wooden windows as they are more energy efficient and are very low maintenance. Wooden window frames need to be treated every couple of years to prevent them from rotting whereas uPVC frames need no such maintenance. Modern uPVC windows are also installed in such away so that there are no gaps and therefore any draughts are eliminated completely.

Double glazed windows will not only make your home more energy efficient and draught free but it will also help to make your home more desirable if you decide to sell in the future. Research has shown that double glazing is often high up on house buyers wish lists. Therefore double glazed windows can make a home more desirable and can even increase the value of a property.

Double glazing is a great addition to any property as it will help to make your home warmer making it a more enjoyable place to live whilst also lowering your gas and electricity bills.

For more information on Double Glazing Wales, Double Glazing Cardiff, Double Glazing Bristol, Double Glazing Gloucester and Double Glazing Hereford – visit www.greenwayupvc.com – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with the choice available from Greenway.

National Window Scrappage Scheme – will it save the planet?

by UPVC Windows Expert
Nov
5
2009

The Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) has recently petitioned the government to introduce a National Window Scrappage Scheme. Under the proposed scheme it is hoped that householders will be encouraged to scrap their old poorly insulated windows in return for a £1,000 grant towards the installation costs of new, professionally installed, energy efficient ones. Consumer benefits would include the £1000 saving, a domestic cosmetic facelift, lower fuel bills and more energy efficient homes.

So could uPVC windows and doors be the answer to saving the planet?
No doubt any upturn in sales would trigger questions about the disposal of old PVC windows and doors in an environmentally responsible way. Despite the fact that it is often said that PVC is not recyclable, this is simply not true so there is no need for alarm. There is a range of methods already available for deriving residual value from used plastics products. In fact, PVC, like all other thermoplastic materials, can be recycled relatively straightforwardly.

The uPVC window industry has been criticised in the past, for an apparent lack of post-use recycling. But it is now common practice to recover and recycle factory wastes and / or off-cuts after the window has been fabricated. These materials are then incorporated with virgin polymer to produce further long life products including window profiles.

A company that has been at the forefront of collection and recycling of redundant uPVC materials is Ecoplas Limited. Based in Selby, North Yorkshire, Ecoplas is a company that specialises in post consumer recycling. Ecoplas has invested in the necessary, plant equipment and new technology to handle and process substantial volumes of post consumer materials.

Managing Director of Ecoplas, Ian Tippett commented on the recent proposal. “Whilst I feel it is a good idea to incentivise homeowners to make energy efficient changes, it is equally as important to prevent post consumer windows and doors going to landfill. Our company specialises in this area and it is both environmentally beneficial and cost effective. At Ecoplas we have the capability to process old window frames and convert them to reusable material which can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of new building products. We are keen to expand our operations in this area and to support companies wishing to show a real commitment to deal with their post consumer waste responsibly”.

Ecoplas have a fleet of vehicles to collect post consumer waste which includes 50cu yd roll on roll off skips. Through arrangements with waste transfer stations and waste management companies Ecoplas receive bulk loads of end of life PVC windows and doors. Ecoplas can therefore also assist companies who may be tendering and negotiating for public or private sector contracts where environmental considerations and policies are key elements of the contract.

Ecoplas is one of the leading uPVC recycling operations in the UK – to find out more visit www.ecoplas.co.uk

For Double Glazing in Hull & Scarborough available from Orion Windows

by UPVC Windows Expert
Nov
4
2009

Home improvements are an easy way to increase the value of your home in Hull & Scarborough. Many people will increase the value of a home purely through redecoration, however another option that can add value to your home is Double Glazing. They can improve the overall look of your home, whilst also providing effective insulation and heat retention.

There are a wide range of Double Glazing currently on the market, something to suit your needs. With such a great range, you can effectively chose a style that complements you home and is in keeping with the current features. Some of the popular styles of Double Glazing are casement windows, sash windows, tilt & turn windows and bay windows.

Each style of window ranges in its design and structure. For instance, casement Double Glazing normally consist of one or two panes and are hinged on one side. They are opened by rotating a crank 15 to 30 degrees. This is enough to let in light, but not much else. Slider windows consist of two offset sashes and operate much like a sliding glass door. Double hung windows allow free flow of the air either from the top or the bottom of the window. In general, Double Glazing are mainly consisting of two offset slashes that move vertically. They are best suited in the living rooms or other formal areas of the home.

Double Glazing have many advantages over wooden framed traditional styles. With a complete PVC structure, they are durable and clean with no painting or maintenance required. They are well insulated, no gaps or holes, which can save money on heating bills come winter.

Orion Windows offer a great range of Double Glazing in Hull & Scarborough which are now available in a wide range of styles and colours and maintaining the style and architecture of the home. If you wish to buy Double Glazing online look no further than Orion Windows. Based in North Yorkshire, at Orion Windows you’ll get free advice from the most helpful and professional people around in the home improvement industry.

So if you are considering refurbishing your home in Hull & Scarborough, Double Glazing may be just be the thing to give your home a new look.

For more information on Double Glazing in Hull, Double Glazing Scarborough, PVC Doors in Hull, PVC Windows in Scarborough and Replacement Windows in Hull – visit www.orion-windows.co.uk – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with the choice available in Hull & Scarborough.

National Window Scrappage Scheme is it a trick or a treat? Witch is it?

by UPVC Windows Expert
Oct
30
2009

A National Double Glazing company is currently running a TV advert which seems to offer a “national” window scrappage scheme. The view of a local Double Glazing blogger brings into question the validity of this National Scheme.

Below is a response from a on his blog to valid a question from Emma who says she is looking for replacement double glazing:

“Hi Emma, The real Window Scrappage Scheme has been proposed to the Government through a petition on the Number 10 Downing Street website, but as yet there is no official scheme unless Government policy changes. You obviously saw a TV advert from Anglian Windows who have created their own marketing campaign on this subject.”

Under what seems to be a totally “unofficial” window scrappage scheme, potential customers are appearing to being offered “up to £2,000 off”, but as there is no retail price list, and the fact that “minimum order values apply”, it does just sound like a marketing gimmick, rather than a genuine subsidy”.

Am sure you all agree that a government backed  “Window Scrappage Scheme” would be a great treat to us all. If you agree why not sign up to the GGF petition to get the government to introduce a windows scrappage scheme, to enable homeowners to install environmentally friendly energy efficient, energy saving windows.

So if you are considering replacing any windows, don’t be tricked into believing there is a government national window scrappage scheme, sadly at present there is not, but hopefully if enough people sign the Glass and Glazing Federation’s petition, then the government mind see the benefits for such a scheme.

Want to share your experience of the Window Scrappage Scheme or simply post your comments or questions online CLICK HERE To Post your Comments Online

If you want to show your support to Glass & Glazing Federations Window Scrappage Scheme – simply add your name to the Online Petition.

Double Glazing Helps Homeowners To Fight The Recession

by UPVC Windows Expert
Oct
28
2009

Thanks to the current economic climate homeowners are looking for more ways to make their homes more energy efficient. By improving the energy efficiency of their homes they are able to cut the costs of their gas and electricity bills considerably.

With the ever rising cost of gas and electricity and more people than ever struggling to pay their bills due to the recession homeowners are looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of their homes with double glazing.

We have all known the benefits of double glazing for some time now but it seems that it is the recession which is kicking people into action and improving the efficiency of their homes.

Research has shown that customers are becoming more energy aware, they are turning lights off when they leave a room, turning down their thermostats and installing energy saving light bulbs. Many gas and electricity customers are also looking to swap energy provider to find the cheapest tariff available. And the next step in improving the energy efficiency of their homes is installing double glazing.

Research shows that up to 25% of the heat generated from a home is lost through inefficient windows. By installing double glazing the amount of heat lost is reduced considerably.

Greenway Home Improvement specialises in the installation of energy efficient Double Glazing in Wales including Double Glazing in Cardiff and Double Glazing in Bristol for more information on Double Glazing visit www.greenwayupvc.com or drop into their local showrooms in Pontypool & Raglan Garden Centre

National Window Scrappage Scheme Launched | Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF)

by UPVC Windows Expert
Oct
18
2009

The Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) has petitioned the government to introduce a scrappage scheme, whereby householders are encouraged to scrap their old poorly insulated windows in return for a £1,000 grant towards the installation of new, professionally installed, energy efficient ones. The petition has been set up through the ePetition Scheme on the Official website of the Prime Minister’s Office at www.number10.gov.uk and is available at: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/windowscrappage/

The benefits of this scheme for window manufacturers, suppliers and installers would be increased sales and a reversal in the downward trend in the number of installed windows and doors. Consumers would save £1,000 and enjoy a facelift to their homes, along with lower fuel bills and more energy efficient homes. And the government would benefit from reduced emissions from the existing housing stock, helping it to meet the necessary greenhouse gas emissions targets. The government would also reclaim some of the grant money in VAT.

“Energy Efficient Windows (EEWs) have a huge role to play in improving the thermal performance of the existing housing stock,” Nigel Rees, Chief Executive of the GGF, explained. “EEWs can reduce emissions by 10% from dwellings nationally and reduce national domestic energy expenditure by 10%.

“The glass and window industry represents over 100,000 employees. Currently direct sell windows and doors fell by 12% in 2008 and a further 14% in 2009. The forecast is for a further 10% drop in 2010. In 2008 FENSA registered 880,831 installations made up of 3,292,437 windows and 761,054 doors. The GGF strongly believes that the proposals to incentivise the professional installation of new energy efficient windows are the only logical way forward.”

Five hundred signatures are needed to take the petition to the next stage. Given the size of the industry, and the popularity of WERs, the GGF expects the petition to receive many more signatures than that.

For further information on uPVC Windows & Doors – Contact the Conservatory Outlet. Specialist suppliers of energy efficient Window, Doors and custom built Conservatories and Orangeries. Visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF)
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is the primary trade association for companies that make, supply or fit flat glass and related products representing more than 60% of the industry’s turnover. As such the GGF is the recognised leading authority for employers and companies within the flat glass, glazing, window, home improvement, plastics and window film industries. This includes double glazing, Energy Efficient Windows, replacement windows, doors, conservatories, applied film, hardware, safety glazing, sealants, fire resistant glass, emergency glazing, decorative glass, secondary glazing, solar control and plastics.

The GGF provides information for homeowners, professional specifiers and anyone seeking professional and unbiased information on any aspect of glass and glazing in the UK. GGF members supply replacement windows, doors, conservatories and Energy Efficient Windows in all framing materials including Aluminium, PVC-U, Steel and Timber.

The GGF is a great promoter of energy efficient glazing and the GGF’ss Carbon Calculator enables homeowners and others to see how much money and carbon can be saved by installing new Energy Efficient Windows.

Architects and Specifiers are well supported with a range of literature and professional advisors to assist with all aspects of specification and related issues. GGF Members sign up to the Federation’s Code of Good Practice and are vetted before being accepted. A free conciliation service is provided for mediation between customers and supplying member companies when required.

For further information go to: www.ggf.org.uk

UPVC Windows & UPVC Doors – are they really worth it?

by UPVC Windows Expert
Oct
15
2009

Nobody likes to spend money when they do not have to and more so now than ever in the current credit crunch we are all looking to save money. One such expense which many people debate is whether to install replacement windows and doors or not. There are several considerations which you need to think about to determine if you need replacement windows.

One of the most important factors which you must consider is safety and all too often this is surprisingly overlooked. If there was a fire in your house often windows would be the only means of escape therefore particularly first floor and above windows should be easy to open. Often old wooden windows will have been painted so many times that they can no longer be opened and this is a serious safety risk.

Unfortunately it is a sign of the times that we live in that security needs to be a consideration. Locks on older windows and doors are often flimsy and can easily be broken. It is important not to only consider the main front and back door but consider all the external doors in your house such as French doors and patio doors.

It seems like every time we open a newspaper we read how gas and electricity prices are once again set to increase. Or how global warming is getting worse and it is all our responsibilities to do our bit to look after the planet. The windows and doors are one of the weakest spots in many homes in terms of energy efficiency it is predicted that between 25 and 40 percent if the heat in a home could be lost through inefficient windows and doors.

Many people do not realise that their windows and doors are actually inefficient but if any of the following factors sound familiar then the likelihood is that your windows could be improved. Is double glazing used in your windows? Are your windows more than 20years old? Do your windows suffer from condensation, and do you get little pools of water on your windowsills? Are the windows warped or rotting and can you feel drafts around your windows? Are your windows easy to open and can they be locked easily? These are just a few of the factors which indicate that your windows may need replacing.

By installing double glazed replacement windows and doors you will be able to solve all of the above issues. Double glazing improves the security, safety and efficiency of a home making it a very worthwhile investment that in the long run will save you money on your gas and electricity bills. Double glazing has also proven time and again to be very popular with potential house buyers and can therefore add value to your property and make it easier to sell.

For more information on UPVC Windows & UPVC Doors visit: www.greenwayupvc.com or freephone 0800 163 369.

Greenway Home Improvements – add value to your home with the name you know you can trust! Installing quality Double Glazing Windows & Doors throughout Cardiff, Bristol, Newport, Hereford and Gloucester.

Do you need new UPVC Windows & UPVC Doors?

by UPVC Windows Expert
Oct
12
2009

Autumn is fast approaching the leaves are falling off the trees, the air is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter. Before long it will be winter and it is important that we are all fully prepared. For many older people particularly the winter can be a scary time with the long dark nights and it is important that we all feel safe in our home. By checking the security of our homes now we can ensure that we have a safe and happy winter.

Your windows should let in fresh air, sunlight and not much else. Old fashioned timber framed windows often have flimsy locks. Ideally you should fit uPVC windows with multipoint mortice locks. But if your budget will not run to this then you should at least fit key operated locks to your existing windows. Again if the budget will allow fit double glazing rather than single glazing as it is much tougher and harder to break than single glazing. Double glazing will also help to lower you gas and electricity bills as it is far more energy efficient. uPVC windows are generally seen as the most secure windows available but they do actually vary in quality. Look out for uPVC windows that have multipoint locking systems and an internal beading system so the glass cannot be removed from the outside.

Your doors are the other major weak spot in your home. Ideally your front door should have a five lever mortice deadlock. Also any glazing within the doors should be double glazed, both these features come as standard on most good quality uPVC doors. Consider installing a spy hole and a security chain so you are able to see who is outside your home before you let them in. Letter boxes should be no closer to the lock than 400mm and an internal cover plate is also a good idea. It is easy to only focus on the front and back doors but you also need to think about patio doors and French doors too. Research shows that patio doors are actually one of the favourite methods for many burglars entering your home. Anti lift devices and extra locks are available for patio doors which can help to make them more secure.

There is nothing worse than not feeling safe in our own homes and by taking some precautions now you can be safe in the knowledge that you have taken precautions to improve the security of your home.

For more information on Double Glazing Windows, Replacement Windows & Doors visit: www.greenwayupvc.com or freephone 0800 163 369.

Greenway Home Improvements – add value to your home with the name you know you can trust! Installing quality Double Glazing Windows & Doors throughout Cardiff, Bristol, Newport, Hereford and Gloucester.